Related Services

Speech and Language

Speech/language pathologists (SLPs) work with students in grades K-12 who have a variety of communication disorders that adversely affect their educational performance. SLPs’ roles in the school setting include the following: evaluation, identification and intervention for a wide variety of communication, language and speech disorders. Services are delivered through IEPs and individual Articulation Therapy Plans (ATP). Other responsibilities include: progress monitoring, collaboration with teachers and other professionals; advocacy for teaching practices; and participation in school-wide curriculum and literacy teams. When developing a student’s speech/language program, the SLP combines communication goals with academic and/or social goals and tailors the delivery of service (e.g., monitoring; consulting; classroom based; small group instruction).

Occupational therapy in the educational setting provides services to children who present with fine motor, coordination and sensory regulation needs that significantly impede learning. Occupational therapists evaluate, identify and provide support to children with such needs. Under IDEA, occupational therapy is a related servce that exists within the public schools in order to assist students to benefit from their special educaiton program or to gain access to regular education programs. The Educational team determines the frequency and level of services (e.g., monitoring; consulting; classroom based; small group/individual instruction). Occupational therapists also provide consultation regarding the use of assistive technology.

Occupational Therapists: Linda Blickley Patricia Chialastri

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy in the educational setting provides services to children who present with gross motor and coordination needs that significantly impede learning and/or access to the school environment. Physical therapists evaluate, identify and provide support to children with such needs. The physical therapist partners closely with teachers, as well as the child, to achieve meaningful progress of independence and successful participation in the curriculum. The Educational team determines the frequency and level of services (e.g., monitoring; consulting; classroom based; small group/individual instruction).